Introduction
Apple fritters are golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-fluffy-on-the-inside delights made with fresh apples folded into a lightly spiced batter and fried until perfection. What makes them irresistible is the finishing touch—a sweet glaze that soaks into the warm fritters, creating a glossy, sugary coating that balances beautifully with the tartness of apples.
This recipe is a nostalgic classic—think of fall fairs, cozy bakeries, or a warm homemade treat with your morning coffee. Apple fritters are the kind of dessert (or breakfast!) that feels indulgent but comforting at the same time.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the crisp, caramelized edges of fried dough with the tender sweetness of apple chunks in every bite. The cinnamon-spiced batter is simple yet flavorful, and the glaze makes each fritter shine—literally and tastefully.
It’s a recipe that reminds me of autumn mornings, fairs, and bakeries, yet it’s so easy to make at home. Plus, the aroma of apples and cinnamon frying together fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Why This is a Must-Try Dish
- Crispy + Soft texture – crunchy outside, pillowy inside.
- Flavor explosion – sweet apples, warm spices, and sweet glaze.
- Versatile – perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat.
- Crowd-pleaser – kids and adults both love them.
- Seasonal goodness – a must during apple season!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12–14 fritters (depending on size)
- Calories: ~230 kcal per fritter (including glaze)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American (classic fair/bakery style)
- Course: Dessert / Breakfast / Snack
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (more if needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Simple Cooking Directions
- Make the batter with flour, sugar, spices, and wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped apples.
- Heat oil and drop spoonfuls of batter to fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Dip or drizzle with glaze while warm.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2 – Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3 – Combine Batter
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Fold in diced apples.
Step 4 – Heat Oil
- In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5 – Fry Fritters
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into hot oil.
- Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray to drain excess oil.
Step 6 – Make Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7 – Glaze Fritters
- Dip each fritter in glaze or drizzle over the top.
- Let set for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- Best enjoyed warm with coffee, tea, or hot cider.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar before glazing for extra flavor.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Keep oil temperature steady—too hot will burn outside, too low will make greasy fritters.
- Use tart apples (Granny Smith) for the best sweet-tart balance.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches.
- Let glaze soak in while fritters are still slightly warm.
Variations
- Apple-Cinnamon Sugar Fritters – skip glaze, roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Caramel Apple Fritters – drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
- Apple-Pear Fritters – mix apples with pears for a fruity twist.
- Baked Version – bake spoonfuls at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, then glaze.
Freezing & Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store up to 4 days; reheat in oven for crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven, then glaze before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining oil)
Conclusion
Apple Fritters with Glaze are a timeless, bakery-style treat that bring joy with every bite. With their crisp edges, tender apple-studded interior, and sweet glaze, they’re the perfect indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up. Easy to prepare at home and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a must-try for apple lovers and anyone craving a warm, comforting bite of nostalgia.

Apple Fritters with Glaze
Description
Apple fritters are golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-and-fluffy-on-the-inside delights made with fresh apples folded into a lightly spiced batter and fried until perfection. What makes them irresistible is the finishing touch—a sweet glaze that soaks into the warm fritters, creating a glossy, sugary coating that balances beautifully with the tartness of apples.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
For the Glaze:
Instructions
-
Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Step 2 – Mix Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Step 3 – Combine Batter : Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined (don’t overmix). Fold in diced apples.
-
Step 4 – Heat Oil : In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
-
Step 5 – Fry Fritters : Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel–lined tray to drain excess oil.
-
Step 6 – Make Glaze : Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Step 7 – Glaze Fritters : Dip each fritter in glaze or drizzle over the top.Let set for 5–10 minutes before serving.